Ambulatory Phlebectomy Specialist

What is ambulatory phlebectomy?

An ambulatory phlebectomy, or microphlebectomy, is an outpatient procedure the Vein Clinics of Lake County, and Wound Care Center team performs to remove spider and varicose veins. You might undergo ambulatory phlebectomy alone or in combination with endovenous laser therapy.

If you have varicose veins near the surface of your skin that are too large to treat using sclerotherapy and too small to treat using endovenous laser therapy, ambulatory phlebectomy is often the best method.

Since veins are particularly collapsible, even the largest varicose veins are often removable using the ambulatory phlebectomy technique. This minimally invasive procedure doesn't need stitching or general anesthesia and results in minimal downtime. 

Ambulatory phlebectomy also causes less pain and poses fewer risks than traditional surgical treatments.

Why might I need an ambulatory phlebectomy?

You might seek treatment for your varicose veins because they are causing leg symptoms ( for medical reasons)or you don't like the way they look (cosmetic reasons). 

Untreated veins can cause tissue inflammation and skin discoloration, and can become painful. They can develop clotting of blood (known as Thrombophlebitis) and they can lead to leg ulcers. They also affect the efficiency of blood flow between your lower legs and your heart. Ambulatory phlebectomy can relieve both medical and cosmetic concerns in one straightforward procedure.

Once your provider at Vein Clinics of Lake County, and Wound Care Center removes the damaged veins, other veins absorb the excess blood and reinstate healthy blood flow. 

Removing the damaged veins doesn't affect your circulatory system's function as there are many surrounding veins able to take over.

What happens when I undergo ambulatory phlebectomy?

Your ambulatory phlebectomy takes 45-60 minutes. It's an outpatient procedure at Vein Clinics of Lake County, Wound Care Center, and takes place in several stages:

Marking the target veins

Your provider identifies the veins requiring treatment to ensure precise removal. Marking the veins also helps to preserve the health of nearby veins and tissues.

Administering a local anesthetic

Before beginning your ambulatory phlebectomy, your provider injects a local anesthetic into your skin to make sure you don't experience any discomfort during the procedure.

Making incisions

Your provider makes tiny incisions in the targeted areas, then inserts a surgical hook to extract the damaged veins in sections. The incisions are so small that you're unlikely to need stitches.

Applying compression bandages

You need to wear compression bandages for about a week after your ambulatory phlebectomy to minimize swelling and discomfort.

You're able to walk and carry out everyday activities immediately after your ambulatory phlebectomy procedure and can usually return to work the next day. You should avoid exercise and heavy lifting for about two weeks, though.

To determine if you could benefit from ambulatory phlebectomy, call Vein Clinics of Lake County, and Wound Care Center today, or book an appointment online.